Harrogate Pythons travelled to Leodiensian for the last league game of the season. In a high scoring game The Pythons came away winners 33 – 46 leaving them in 9th place in the league, whilst Leodiensian are relegated. The Pythons started the stronger of the 2 sides winning a breakdown penalty on half way. Connor Spence was quick to react tapping and carrying through to the home 22. He slotted through a grubber kick for Harry Brayshaw, the bounce was unkind for Brayshaw but supporting Natsuki Barclay was on hand to touch down, 0-5 after 2 mins. The Pythons turn the ball over on half way and Barclay gets his backline moving through Ben Pryor and Harry Smith. The ref spots an infringement at the breakdown and it’s Leo’s turn to tap and go. Some superb defending from Will Milnes and Marcus Fotherby cause Leos to knock on. Scrum on half way and The Pythons set the phases again using Mattie Tuff, Will Milnes and Jordan Payne. Leos concede a penalty, are penalised a further 10m for offering some advice to the ref and Smith kicks to 10m. Secure line out ball and the drive begins. The ball becomes lose and Pryor is quick to react stepping over to score, 0-10 on 10 mins. Leos get back into the game and lead 14-10 within minutes. A turn over in mid field puts The Pythons back on the offensive. Leos buckle under pressure and conceded another off side penalty. Smith hits the 22, secure line out ball gets the phases going again edging closer to the home line. Smith and Rhys Cory advance the gain line closer and Pryor spots a gap to score under the posts, 14-17 on 30 mins. Leos react positively and take the lead once again, 21-17. The Pythons win a scrum on the home 10m line. Hugh Tatlow picks from the base and makes ground, feeds Smith who links well with his centre partner Cory to crash over in the corner, 21-22 half time.
The Pythons control the phases early in the second half. Brayshaw is held up inches short but Leos are caught off side. Barclay taps and the play passes through 4 phases ending with Brayshaw not to be denied this time, 21-27. Bailey Bromberg uses his impressive pace to round defenders. Barclay sets the phases and spots Sam Rowntree in space, no stopping him, under the posts, Pryor adds the 2, 21-34. Brayshaw uses power and speed to cross in the corner, 21-39. Leos respond well and close the gap to 33-39 with minutes remaining. The Pythons get back top controlling phases with accurate passes and patient recycling of the ball. Smith breaks from 20m and crosses the line, he converts his own try, 33-46 full time.
After the game Head Coach John Liley said,” We finished off our league campaign with a much deserved victory. We have competed well and been very close to victory on our travels so to record another victory is so pleasing. Leo’s put up a good fight throughout so we had to be on our game to make sure we finished on top at the end. We have finished this season with more victories and points than last year so we have made good progress this year. We have had two promising years in Yorkshire 1 on which to build so we are in a good place going into next season. Saturday’s victory has now given us the boost we needed going into the Yorkshire Shield Semi-final game against local rivals Ripon.”
